Even before Covid-19 hit the United States, Augustus was home from school. Like I said before, we kept Gus home from Children's House/Primary this year and we were doing some light homeschooling instead. Since we are staying home all of the time now that homeschooling with older homeschooling kids too, this routine has definitely become more consistent and solid.
I thought I would share what we currently have on our shelves for Gus. I rotate these as I see a need. He also has access to our art shelves during our work time, and open ended toys during his quiet time/throughout the day. These materials are a mix of toys, traditional Montessori materials, and DIYs that meet his current needs and interests.
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Math Work
Sandpaper Numbers: These to learn and recognize number symbols. He's had these on his shelves for a few months and he has most of them down.
DIY Math Rods: These are used for counting and comparing lengths. They are a newer addition to the shelves.
Blue Number Counting Book: Book for counting and recognizing symbols
Counting board: Perfect for counting specific items. I will replace this with cards and counters soon.
Language
Sandpaper Letters: These are used for learning to recognize letters by their soundsLanguage Objects: We use these for reenforcing sounds from sandpaper letter and for sound games
DIY Baby Animal Matching Cards: These are used for learning baby animal names then matching picture cards together. The matching is easy for him, the language is what is new here.
Sensorial
Geometric Solids: This work is for naming and recognizing 3D shapes, I need to make cards to match these to their 2D counterparts. Also fun for playing with mystery bagDIY Smelling Jars: Small identical jars for matching by smell alone
Binomial Cube: A traditional Montessori work
Culture/Science
Balancing Scale: This is for exploring weight and balance with the added bonus of playing with little objects which Gus loves.DIY Continent Globe: Learning and naming all of the continents of the globe
Waseca Animal Measuring Tape: Exploring length, animal names and matching them to where they belong on the globe. All of my kids really love this one.
Seasons Layer Puzzle: (Similar puzzles 1 | Similar puzzle 2) A layer puzzle exploring the names and changes associated with each season. Great challenge with number of pieces. This exact puzzle is no longer made.
Practical Life / Fine Motor
Screw Set: This is a creative puzzle that Gus can explore shapes and patterns but requires screwing each of the pieces onto the board.DIY Transferring Jar: Gus needs to use pincer grip to grab little baseball beads {similar} and move them into the small opening of the jar
Pinocchio Puzzle: {similar style puzzles} I rotate a variety of vintage puzzles for him to put together within the frame
Jigsaw Puzzle: More puzzle exploration but this time a bit more challenging without a board and a true jigsaw
Sorting Tray: Sorting different objects in the wooden tray. Right now it's almost Easter so its themed stickers, but just prior we were sorting different shapes.
DIY Color Matching Eggs: The color matching is easy for him, but opening and closing the eggs provides a fine motor challenge. Again, just an Easter themed work.
Pop Beads: These are another great fine motor challenge and Gus loves making long chains and jewelry with them.
I hope this was helpful! What is your 3-year-old interested in?
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